Jol: We have to be strong

Tottenham boss Martin Jol believes his young side need to learn from recent mistakes if they are to build on their promising first half of the season.

Spurs have not won in four games but are still in three cup competitions, with Cardiff their opponents tonight in an FA Cup third-round replay.

The Coca-Cola Championship promotion hopefuls are looking to become the third team in a row to win at White Hart Lane after Jol's men conceded sloppy goals against Liverpool and Newcastle either side of the New Year celebrations.

They were ahead twice against Newcastle on Sunday but defensive lapses and a stunning strike from Obafemi Martins sealed the points for Glenn Roeder's men.

It left Jol's men struggling in their bid to break into the top six of the Barclays Premiership, and the Dutchman said: "I can remember teams doing ever so well in January and then in February everything can be over for them.

"So we have to be strong and I feel we will be strong, but we have to learn from situations like Newcastle."

Jol admits Spurs' Premiership form could suffer as they progress in the cups but he is willing to take the risk in pursuit of silverware.

"Sometimes you can't have it all," he said.

"I think we're not strong enough to say we will be like Chelsea, or even Liverpool when they won the Champions League. Liverpool didn't do too well in the league and that was probably because of Europe.

"Middlesbrough were in the final of the UEFA Cup last year and were struggling near the bottom."

Jol has Robbie Keane fit to start after the Republic of Ireland striker's recovery from a knee injury, while Aaron Lennon made his first start in a month against Newcastle after a similar complaint.

Skipper Ledley King is still out with a bruised foot and striker Mido has a groin injury.

"Robbie is fit so he is in consideration for playing, Ledley will take at least another week," confirmed Jol.

"We need all our players on Wednesday - certainly Robbie Keane, so we will have to make a decision on whether he starts or not."

Jermain Defoe has welcomed the increased competition for places as Keane returns from injury.

Jol tends to prefer starting either Keane or Defoe and the pair have only started one game together this season.

But the England striker said: "Robbie and Mido are coming back to fitness so it keeps you on your toes. But it's not a bad thing, it's good when there's competition and when you get your chance, you've got to make sure you do something

special for your team."

Defoe, 24, is excited by the prospect of winning silverware with the club, adding: "It would be great if we can win something this season, not only for the players but the fans and everyone involved with the club."